Expeditions colombia nature and wildlife tour

Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Bogota. Depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport takes around 30-45 minutes.

At the hotel, we will check again your itinerary to make sure everything is clear, help you with anything you may need and give you some practical information about Bogota and Colombia. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may have some time to start exploring the city on your own or just to relax. 

Bogotá is located at an altitude of 2,600 metres, so we recommend to take it easy during the first couple of days.

Note: Hotel check in after 3 pm
 

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: None

To start our nature and wildlife tour in Colombia, we will visit the Bogotá Botanical Garden, officially known as the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden. This 20-hectare urban oasis in Bogota showcases the rich biodiversity of Colombia's ecosystems, including Andean forests, paramos, and tropical rainforests. We will explore the curated collections of native plants, including orchids, palms, and medicinal herbs. The garden also features a stunning butterfly house, a waterfall, and thematic gardens dedicated to different ecological regions.

Then, we will visit some of the most iconic places in Bogota's historic centre. We will glimpse the diversity of architectural styles on display in the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria, admire the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum, and check the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor, at the Museo Botero. At the end of the tour, we will go to the hotel.

Note: The Botanical Garden and Gold Museum are closed on Mondays, and Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning, we embark on a journey towards Neusa Reservoir, a scenic drive of approximately 2 and a half hours. Upon arrival, we'll immerse ourselves in the serene surroundings with a hike guided by a local expert, who will lead us to a meditation spot around nature with an incredible lake view. Next, we'll visit an organic garden to learn about cultivating fresh ingredients essential to local cuisine. Under the guidance of a skilled chef, we will cook our lunch while enjoying breathtaking views of Neusa Reservoir.

After lunch, our journey continues to the renowned Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. This impressive underground structure is entirely carved from salt, offering a blend of art, culture, and history, creating a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Afterwards, we'll return to Bogotá. This itinerary is thoughtfully designed to offer a perfect fusion of nature, culture, and gastronomy to offer you an enriching and unforgettable experience near Bogotá.
 

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we take a full day excursion to the spectacular Chingaza National Park near Bogota. One of the biggest natural reserves in Colombia with a great diversity of fauna and breath-taking views. The park is located 1.5 hours driving from Bogota.

The habitat of Chingaza consists of cloud forest, high elevation glacial lakes and paramo (Andean high altitude) covered by a vast expanse of Frailejones (Espeletia), a genus of rare and quite interesting succulent subshrub found only in the paramo areas of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. A network of hiking trails will enable us to see a variety of Chingaza's stunning landscapes, flora and fauna. The park has around 40 natural glacial lakes, the largest of which is Lake Chingaza, which lies at 3,250 metres above sea level.

Nearly 186 species of birds have been registered in this natural park including the Bearded Helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii), Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Oroetus isidori) and Colombia’s national bird, the majestic Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus). Chingaza Natural Park is also home to a handful of native mammals like deer, Andean bears, and small felines that you might be able to see.

We will spend around 3 hours hiking at the park to visit some of the main lakes. We will go to an altitude of around 3,300 metres above the sea level. At the end of the tour, we will take you back to the hotel.

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning, we will pick you up at the hotel to transfer you to the airport in Bogota for your flight to Yopal in the Eastern Region of Colombia, also called Los LLanos. On arrival in Yopal, we will go to San Luis de Palenque. It will take approximately 2 hours on paved roads.  We will spend the next two days at Hato Matepalma and Hato Altamira, two large haciendas that are part of the Nature Reserve El Encanto de Guanapalo. 

Upon arrival at the natural reserve, we will have lunch and relax for a while. Then, we'll get an introduction to the farm and some lasso practice before gearing up our horses for a ride into the savannah. By horse, we'll cross small rivers, waterholes, lush savannas, palm and gallery forests, keeping our eyes peeled for diverse birdlife and wildlife, including different species of anteaters, monkeys, tortoises, caimans and exotic birds.

At the nature reserve, you will have the chance to see hundreds of capybaras, white-tailed deer, spectacled caimans, tortoises and exciting birdlife, including Orinoco geese and the great horned owl – Colombia's largest owl.

At the end of the day, we will go to one of the haciendas where you will spend the night.

Overnight: Los Llanos
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we will go for a walk and a canoe tour to observe families of capybaras, hoatzins, and various species of kingfishers. We will come back to the hacienda for lunch and relax a little bit before the safari in the afternoon. 

In the afternoon, we will do a safari in a 4x4 vehicle to get close to an astonishing amount of wildlife. With some luck, we may see anteaters, pumas, armadillos or anacondas. The probability of seeing anacondas is higher during the dry season, which is in February and March. We will see hundreds of capybaras, deer, spectacled caimans, tortoises and exciting birdlife. 

At the end of the afternoon safari, we will sit down to relax and have a drink while enjoying the spectacular sunset of this region of Colombia. After, recharging batteries we will continue our expedition to see nocturnal wildlife.

Overnight: Los Llanos
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We will return to Yopal in the morning for a flight to Pereira in the coffee region. Since there are no direct flights to Pereira, you will have to connect in Bogota.

Upon arrival in Pereira, your tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel. 

Overnight: Coffee Region
Meal Plan: Breakfast

In the morning, we will visit a coffee plantation to learn about coffee-making, from planting and hand-picking ripe cherries to drying beans under the sun. You will also have a tasting session, during which you will experience the bold, aromatic flavours of Colombian coffee in action. 

Visiting a coffee farm in Colombia's coffee region is an incredibly rich sensory experience. You will learn from the experts how to appreciate an exceptional cup of coffee while also learning about the tradition and passion passed down through generations. This coffee experience highlights the coffee's cultural significance and the dedication behind every cup. 

You will have the afternoon free to relax or carry on exploring this region of Colombia.

Overnight: Coffee Region
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today, we will spend the morning hiking at Acaime and La Montaña Nature Reserves in the Cocora Valley.  The trail to Acaime is renowned for its towering wax palms, Colombia's national tree, which reach heights of up to 60 meters. As you ascend to La Montaña, the landscape transforms into lush cloud forests with an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. The hike offers spectacular views of the Andes and an opportunity to spot various hummingbirds and other wildlife. Both reserves provide a serene escape into Colombia's pristine natural beauty, making it a must-visit for hikers.

After this expedition, we will visit Salento. In this traditional and picturesque Paisa town, the colours of the houses and the colonial architecture blend with the natural beauty of the region and the smell of freshly roasted coffee. 

Late in the afternoon, we will go back to the hotel.

Overnight: Coffee Region
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

At the required time, we will go to the airport in Pereira for a flight to Santa Marta. Upon arrival in Santa Marta, you will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to the hotel near Tayrona Natural Park.

Santa Marta is a vibrant city known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Founded in 1525, it is the oldest surviving city in Colombia. This city is the gateway to Tayrona National Natural Park, one of the country's most cherished natural reserves. Tayrona Park boasts pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The park's breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination in Colombia.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we will spend the day at Tayrona National Natural Park, where we will see some of Colombia's most beautiful beaches. 

Around 8:30 am, we will start the trip to Tayrona Park, which will take only 15 minutes from your hotel to the main entrance of the park (El Zaino entrance). We will drive 10 min more from the entrance to the Cañaveral sector and from there, we will walk for about 1 hour across the forest until reaching the Arrecifes sector, where you will get great panoramic views of the park. Then, we will walk for 30 min more to reach the beaches Arenillas, La Piscina and El Cabo San Juan. You will have plenty of time to swim and relax on the beach. There are several restaurants and bars in the park where you can stop for lunch in the shade, relax, and admire the spectacular surroundings.

Around 3:30pm, we will start the journey back to the main entrance.

Note: Tayrona Park is usually closed from Feb 1st to 15th, Jun 1st to 15th and Oct 19th to Nov 2nd.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast

You will have the day to relax and enjoy the spectacular natural landscape of this region of Colombia.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel to start our trip towards Cartagena; the total journey will take approximately 4.5 hours.  Cartagena de Indias, nestled along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a city that pulsates with a vibrant history and a lively cultural spirit.

As you step into the heart of Cartagena, the Ciudad Amurallada, you are immediately transported back to a bygone era, with its cobblestone streets, brightly coloured colonial buildings, and imposing stone walls that once protected the city from pirates and invaders. The air is filled with the aroma of local delicacies and the sounds of street performers, making every stroll an immersive experience.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will pick you up at the hotel for a city tour covering the Castillo de San Felipe and the old city surrounded by the impressive walls built during Spanish rule to protect the city against enemies and looters.

The Castle of San Felipe is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. It was built on top of the San Lazaro hill and defended the city from many attacks, including a British siege in 1741. The old city is the historic heart and soul of Cartagena. We will walk around its cobbled streets, visiting or passing by the main historical sites. 

You will have the afternoon to relax at the hotel or carry on exploring the old city, admire its architecture and immerse yourself in its romantic atmosphere.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

The tour ends today, when required we will pick you up at the hotel for a transfer to the airport.

Note: Check out before 12 pm

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast